Control mechanism



NW i6 1943 R. M. Hvm 2,334,325

CONTROL MECHANISM 1N VENTOR.

ima) Y t ATTORNZ Novyls, 1943. R. M. Hvm 2,334,328

CONTROL MECHANISM A Filed March 6, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet@ INVENT OR.

ATTORNEY.

Novg 16, 1943.

R. M. HvlD 2,334,328

CONTROL MECHANISM Filed March e, 1940 5 sheets-sheet s v. ATTQEN .5'

Nov.. 16, 1943.

CONTROL MECHANISM Filed March e, 1940 M. HvlD 2,334,328

5 sheets-sheet 4 fa, fm 9 ,f V 1 ATTORNEYS.

Il Il I Y Nov. 16, 1943. R, M HvlD CONTROL MECHANISM vFiled March e, 1940 o5 Sheets-Sheet 5 uw W Wd, Mga

Patented Nov.'16, 191.13 A i l UNITED STATES PATENToFFIcE CONTROL MECHANISM Rasmus M. Hvid, Wilmette, Ill., assignor to Edward A. McMurtry, Chicago, Ill.

Application March s, 1940, serial No. 322,549

1s Claims. (o1. 180-792) My invention relates to control mechanisms, driven member independently of the manual more particularly to fluidV pressure mechanisms driving connection. Associated with each of the and apparatus wherein fluid pressure means are compartments for selectively admitting or exarranged to effect power operation and control haustlng a iiuid medium under pressure to effect of a driven member in accordance with the controlled movement of the vane within the movements and the positioning of a selectively chamber, or for simultaneously sealing thef two operable control member, and my invention has compartments so as to lock the movable vane for an object the provision of mechanism and against movement Within the Chamber, I provide apparatus of this character that is compact, a plurality of independently operable valves, simple and economical in its construction, and l0 and means are provided, associated With the efficient and reliable in its operation. control member of the steering mechanism, for Although my invention is susceptible of a wide selectively Operating the valves in 1 accordance variety of uses wherein controlled power opera- With the movements of the Control member. tion of a driven element is desired,it is particu- For a more complete understanding of my inlarly applicable to steering mechanisms and is vention, reference should now be had to the herein shown and described as applied to a condrawings. in Which: ventional steering gear for an automobile. In Fig- 1 iS a Sectional VieW of a 'Steering mecha.- the operation ofV many types of automotive veniSmprovided With power operating means emhicles, particularly large trucks or busses, it is bodying my invention, the Section line being desirable to incorporatesuch power operating taken along the line I-l of Fig. 3 andcertain means in the steering mechanism in order that Darts being Shown ln elevation;

it may be controlled by the manuallyr operable Fig- 2 iS a rear View of the deve Shown in steering wheel. To be entirely satisfactory, the Fie- 1, the rear cover plate having been removed power operating means used in connection with in order to illustrate more clearly the construcsuch steering mechanisms should comprise a tional detalls.' relatively small number of moving parts, should Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line reliably impart to the steering mechanism a 3 3 of Fig-,13 e controlled movement corresponding, the man- Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional ual movements of the steering wheel, and should View taken along the llrlo 4-4 .of Fig- 2; preferably operate to lock the steering mecha- FigS- 5 and 6 are'detail views of certain valve nism in any desired position, upon operation operating members; v thereto, so as to prevent accidents to the vehicle Fig- 7 S a Seotlonol VieW Similar t0 Fig. 1 of a due to blowouts, punctures or inequalities in the Steering mechanism Provided With a Similar road surface and so as to prevent, the transmispower operating means, and which I now consion of road shocks to the steering Wheel, sider the preferred embodiment of my invention, s0 'far as 1 am aware no power Operating' the section line of Fig. 7 being taken along the mechanism heretofore provided is capable of line l-l of Fig- 9; fully meeting all of the necessary requirements Flg- 8 is 9' roar View of the oonstilloion Shown without resorting to excessively expensive and in Flg- 7 a portion 0f the rear @Ver plate boing complicated constructions, and accordingly it is broken away; a further object of my invention to provide a Flg- 9 is a Sectional VieWtakon allong the line compact and simple mechanism of this character 9-9 0f Flg- '7; which may readily be associated with a standard Flg- 10 is an enlarged fragmentary Sectional steering mechanism'without altering the mech- VleW taken along the line llll0 0f Fg- 8; mism to Such a .degree as to interfere with the 45 Fig. 11 is a detail view of a portion of the valve normal mechanical steering operation in the operating mechanism; event of a failure in the supply of the power Fig 12 iS a fragmentary Tear View 0f the ap- Operatmg medum paratus shown in Fig. 7, with the rear cover In carrying out my invention in one form, I plate removed in order more` clearly to illustrate provide, in connection with a standard steering the oonstfnotional details; mechanism having a manually movable control Fig. 13 iS an enlarged sectional view taken member, a driven member, andthe usual drlvv along the line I3-I3 of Figr; ging connection therebetween, a sealed casing di- Fg- 14 S e. Somewhat diagrammatic view of. lvided into two compartments by a movable vane a .pumping mechanism for supplying fluid meor wall which is operatively connected to the dium under pressure when an independent source of pressure is used for operation oi the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 7 to 13, inclusive; and

Fig. 15 is a somewhat diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of my invention.

Referring rst to Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings, I have shown my invention as applied to a standard steering gear or mechanism including a worm I integral with a worm shaft and adapted to mesh with a gear segment I2 which is secured by suitable bolts |3 to an extending segmental portion I4 on one end of a shaft I5. The other end of the shaft I5 is provided, as shown in Fig. 3, with a serrated tapered portion i6 and a threaded end portion |1 for connection to the usual steering arm and reach rod of the steering mechanism, a portion of a suitable arm and a nut for securing the arm to Y the shaft I5 being diagrammatically indicated Y in Fig. 3 by broken lines I8.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3y particularly, the worm I0 and Worm gear segment I2 are positioned within a. chamber I9 formed by a suitable housing 20, and the shaft |5 is journaled in a hub 2| which extends inwardly from one wall of the housing, the opposite wall of the housing rear cover plate 32, the parts 30 and 32 having suitable apertures therein, as shown best in Fig. 3, for permitting the shaft I5 to extend through the lower Vportion of the chamber in the housing 3|. An antifriction-bearing 34, is provided for the shaft I5, and suitable sealing means 35 are disposed in the rear cover plate 32 surrounding the shaft I5 so as to effectively prevent leakage of the operating fluid to the outside of the mechanism;

The portion of the shaft I5 which extends through the sealed chamber is splined, as indicated by the reference numeral 36 in Figs. 2 and 3, so as to provide a driving connection with a movable vane 31- which is mounted thereon.

Y This vane 31 is accurately machined so as to havingv an opening therein through which the gear segment I2 and the shaft I5 may be in serted so that the extending portion I4 of the shaft abuts the end of the hub 2|. A suitable bearing member 22 is preferably interposed betweenl the portion I4 and the end of the hub 2|, and a cover 23, which is adapted Yto close the opening in the opposite wall of the housing, carries an adjustable abutment member 24 which serves properly to position the shaft I5 and the gear segment I2 relative to the hub 2|.

The worm shaft II extends through suitable apertures in the opposite walls of the housing 20, as shown in Fig. 1,r and is journaled in roller bearings 25 and 26, the bearing 25 being supported in one wall of the housing, and the bearing 26 being carried by a tubular connecting member 21 which is secured to the housing and is connected to a tubular casing 28 through which extends the steering post 29, which steering post is connected at one end to the worm shaft II and is provided at its opposite end with the usual hand steering wheel (not shown).

The mechanism thus far described is in all material respects similar or identical to the usual or standard type of steering mechanism utilized in automotive vehicles. The steering post 29 constitutes a selectively movable control member, the shaft i5 constitutes a driven member, and the worm and gear segment constitute a driving connection therebetween for operating the driven member in accordance with the movements of the` control member. In accordance with my invention, fluid operating means are provided for controlling and operating the shaft I5 in accordance with the movements of the steering post 29, such fluid operating means including a sealed chamber containing a movable vane directly connected to the shaft I5, and

valve means controlled by the movement of the provide a close running fit between the opposite edges thereof and the plates 30 and 32, respectively, and between the upper end of, the vaneV and the arcuate wall 38 on the housing 3|. This vane 31, as shown best in Fig. 2, constitutes a movable wall which divides the chamber within the housing 3| into two sealed compartments 39 and 40, respectively, and it will be apparent that when a fluid medium under pressure is introduced into either of the compartments 39 or 40 and when the exhaust of fluid medium from the opposite compartment is permitted, the vane 31 will be operated so as to rotate the shaft I5 in one directionor the other. Similarly, it will be apparent that when both of the chambers 33 and 40 are filled with a noncompressible fluid medium under pressure andv sealed against inlet and discharge of such fluid, the vane 3,1 will be locked in whatever position it then occupies and will thus prevent rotation of the shaft I5.

To provide for the admission of a suitable fluid medium under pressure to the chambers 39 and 40 so as pro erly to control the movements of the vane 3 the rear cover plate 32 is provided with a pair of passageways 42 which rei spectively communicate with the compartments 39 and 40, only one of the passageways 42 being shown in Figs. 3 and 4. These passageways 42 correspond in conflguration and arrangement to passageways II2 and II3, shown in Fig. 8, which figure illustrates what is now believed to be a preferred embodiment of my invention.

Communicating with the upper portion of the passageway 42, is an inlet porty 43 (Fig. 4) which extends transversely' through the housing 3| and is intersected by a cross passageway 44, the passageway 44 terminating, as shown best in Fig. 2, in an open threaded end 45 which isA adapted to be connected to a suitable source of fluid medium under pressure. The intersection of the inlet port 43 with the passageway 42 is beveled, as shown best in Fig. 4, to provide a valve seat for the head of a valve 46, the stem of which extends into the port 43 and is provided' with an enlarged portion 41, slidably disposed in the port 43 beyond the intersection of the port with the passageway 44. This portion 41 effectively seals the inlet port 43 against leakage of the uid under pressure and Iis engaged by a valve tappet 4B which extends through a suitable aperture in the plate 30 and through a guide bearing 49 formed in a portion 50 of the housing 20.

It will be apparent upon inspection of Fig. 4, that valve 46 provides a substantially balanced arrangement, since the right-hand end of the enlarged portion 41 presents substantially the same surface area as does the underside of the valve head to the fluid pressure medium entering through the passageway 44. Normally, the valve 46 is maintained in engagement with its valve seat by a valve spring one end of which engages the valve head and the other end-of which engages a socket formed in a nut, or closure member, 52 that is threaded into a suitably located aperture in the rear cover plate 32.

Adjacent to the port'43 I provide an exhaust port 53 which extends transversely through the casing 3| and intersects the passageway 42 in rear cover plate 32 to provide a valve seat adapted to be engaged by the head of an exhaust valve i 54. 'I'he stern of the valve 54 is provided with a and 51 and the slot 68 being positioned to receive plurality of ribs 55 which serveto guide ithe exhaust valve in the port 53. The spaces between ribs 55 permit the ilow of fluid medium'through the exhaust port 53V which terminates at its end opposite the valve seat in passageway 56 formed in the plate 3U. The exhaust valve 54 vengages a valve tappet 51 which extends through a guide bearing 58 in the portion 50 of the wall of the' housing 20,'and the exhaust valve 54 is normally' maintained in engagement with its valve seat by a valve spring 59, one end of which engages a suitable socket in a closure member 60 which is similar to the nut 52.

It will now be apparent that when the valves 46 and 54 are both closed, the passageway 42 'and the compartment 40 within the casing 3| are tightly sealed .against the entrance or exhaust of iiuid medium.l Opening of the valve 46 permits fluid medium under pressure to flow into the compartment 4|] through the passageways 44, 43, and 42, While opening of the exhaust valve 54 permits the fluid medium to be exhausted from the compartment 40 through the passageways 42, 53, and 56.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, similar inlet and exhaust valves 6| and 62, respectively, are associated with the other passageway 42, which terminates in the compartment 39. The valves 6| and 62 are respectively identical with the valves 46 and 54 and need not be' described in detail, the

'positions of the valves being reversed, as indi-` cated in Fig. 2, so that inlet valve 6|, which is disposed in an inlet port which intersects the passageway 44, is positioned above the exhaust valve 62, this reversal of positions providing for proper sequential operation as will be more fully set forth hereinafter.

In Fig. 2 the heads'of the valves 6| and 62 are shown and it will be understood that the other ends of each of these valves contact with a valve tappet similar to the ones for valves 46 and 64. These valve tappets, indicated by reference numerals 63 and 64 in Fig. 1, extend through a guide portion 4| formed on the Wall of the casing 2D and similar tothe guide portion 50 through which the valve tappets 48 and 51 for valves 46 and 54 extend. y

The valve tappets 48, 51, 63, and 64 for the heretofore described valves extend, as shown best in Figs. 1 and 3, into a chamber 65Y in the upper portion of the housing 20, and a valve operating member 66, Whichis in the form of a hollow cylinder, is disposed in this chamber 65 adjacent the ends of the valve tappets, the member 66 being journaled in the opposite walls of the chamber 65, as shown best in Fig. 1. Directly opposite the valve tappets the cylindrical member 66 is provided With slots 61 and V6H, respectively, the slot 61 being positioned to receive the valve tappets 48 the valve tappets 63and 64, so that upon rotation of the `cylindrical member 66 the end walls of the slotswill engage the associated valve tappets to effect reciprocating operation of the valves.

Intermediate the siots e1 and sa, the cyimdrical member 66 is provided with-a slot 69 into Vwhich extends a stop member 10 which is rigidly supported on the bottom wall of the chamber 65, and which functions to limit the extent of rotation which may be imparted to the cylindrical member 66.

Adjacent one end, the cylindrical valve operating memberl 66 is provided with` an eccentrically disposed `pin 1| `on which is mounted a roller or 'collar 12 (Figs. 1 and 6) that is adapted to be engaged by the bifurcated upper end of a valve operating arm 13, the lower end of which is apertured to receive the extending end of the worm shaft As shown best in Fig. 1, the right-hand end of the worm shaft which extends through the operating arm 13 and is free to rotate relative thereto, carries a pair of disc members 14 and 15, respectively, disposed on opposite sides of the member 13. Disc members 14 and 15 are mounted `onthe shaft for sliding movement thereof along the shaft but are keyed to the shaft for rotation therewith, each of the members being provided with a groove 16 (Fig. 1) for receiving a key 11 that extends outwardly from one side of the shaft In order to provide for assembly of the discs 14 and 15 and the member 13 on the shaft I, member 13 is provided with a notch 18 which permits the member 13 to be assembled from the end of the shaft, the key 11 which is arranged to cooperate with the disc member 15 passing through the notch 18y during such as` sembly.

Disc 14 abuttingly engages the bearing member 25 in which' the worm shaft is journaled, and in order to maintain the members 13, 14, and 15 properly assembled, with the friction members 14 and 15 engaging the opposite faces of the member 13 in tight frictional engagement, I provide a nut 19 which threadedly engages the outerend of the shaft and supports one end of a coil spring 80, the opposite end of which engages the friction disc 15. Preferably, the valve operating parts, which form the connection between the worm shaft 'and the cylindrical valve member 66, are enclosed within a cover member 8| secured to one face of the casing 20, and a suitable packing member 82 is provided for preventing leakage about the outer reduced end portion 83 of the shaft which end portion extends through an aperture inthe cover member 8|.

Having in mind the above description of the various parts of my improved apparatus, it is now believed that a complete understanding of my invention may be had from a description of its operation. While any suitable source of uid pressure may be utilized in carrying out my inventien, it may be preferable, in the application of my invention tomsteering mechanisms for automobiles, to utilize as a source of fluid pressure will be hereinafter described in connection with Figs. 7 to 14, inclusive.

Assuming that the engine lubricating system isto be used, it is necessary, in carrying out my invention, to connect by suitable conduits the open threaded end 45 of the passageway 44 to the pressure side of the engine lubricating system and to similarly connect the chamber I9 which, as shown in Fig. 1, is provided with a, threaded drain port 84 to the crank case of the automotive engine, so that the operating iluid will be returned to the lubricating system.

For the purpose of describing the operation of the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, it will be assumed that the abovementioned conduits have been installed, that the compartments 39 and 40 and the passageways- 42 are lled with oil, and that the valves, and the operating parts therefor, occupy the positions illustrated in the drawing, with the vane 31 in the vertical position shown in Fig. 2, which position corresponds to the straight-on position of the vehicle. If it is now desired to turn the vehicle, rotation of steering post 29 is effected by means of the usual steering wheel (not shown) attached to the upper end oi the steering post, and it will be assumed that the rotation is in the direction indicated by arrows 85 and 86 in Figs. 1 and 3, respectively.

Rotation' of the steering post 29 and the worm shaft II in this direction tends to operate the gear segment I2 and the shait I5 in the direction indicated by the arrows 81 in Fig. l, and at the same time the friction discs 14 and 15 effect movement of the arm 13 in the direction indicated by the arrow 88 in Fig. 6. Movement of the arm 13 in this direction causes the cylindrical valve member 66 to be rotated in its bearings in the direction indicated by arrow 89 in Fig. 6 and by arrow 90 in Fig. 3.

In order to permit a slight play or free movement of the steering wheel without eilecting operation of the control valves, a small clearance is provided between the ends of slots 61 and 68 in the cylindrical member 66 and the ends of the valve tappets which extend into these slots, and accordingly a slight initial movement of the steering wheel in either direction will not effect operation of the valve members which control the fluid operating means. Preferably, the clearance provided for this purpose correspondssubstantially to the backlash which exists between the worm I and the gear segment I2.

Continued turning movement of the steering wheel in the direction indicated effects continued rotation of cylindrical valve member 66 so as to engage the valve tappets 48 and 64 for the inlet valve 46 and the exhaust valve 62 respectively, whereupon these valves are opened and oil under pressure is admitted through ports 44, 43, and 42 to sealed compartment 40 on one side of vane 31. The vane 31 thereupon moves -in the direction of the arrow 9| in Fig. 2 to rotate the shaft I in a counterclogkwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, which of course corresponds to clockwise movement of the gear segment I2 as viewed in Fig. 1. Movement of vane 31 in this direction is permitted due to the fact that the body of oil contained in the compartment 39 on the opposite side of the vane will be exhausted through its associated passageway 42 and the exhaust valve 62 which is now in its open position. From valve 62 the oil is exhausted into the passageway 56,A suitable ports or apertures 92 and 93 being provided as shown in Fig. 3 for permitting the exhausted oil to ow into chamber I9 from whence it may return to the engine lubricating system through the connection 84.

- Some of the exhausted oil also flows by way of passageways 94 (Figs. 3 and 4), one of which is located in each of the bearing portions 50 and 4I, into chamber 65 so that the valve parts contained therein may be eiectively lubricated.

Leakage of the oil contained in chamber 65 through the bearings for .valve member 66 may of course occur and accordingly the bearing at ,the left-hand end of the member 66, as shown best in Fig. 1, is tightly sealed by cap 95. The

u right-hand bearing for member 66 is enclosed by the cover 8|, and any oil passing thereinto is returned to chamber `I9 through a port 96 (Fig. 1)

Movement of vane 31 in the direction indicated by the arrow 9| in Fig. 2 continues so long as steering post 29 and the worm shaft II continue to rotate in the direction of the arrows and 86, and although the stop 10 arrests cylindrical valve member 66 in a position corresponding to the full open position of the valves 46 and 62, the-frictional connection between the arm 13 and the discs 14 and 15 permits continued rotation of shaft Il even though the member 66 is held against further movement.

In order to arrest the movement of the vane 31 and the shaft I5 which is connected to the vehicle wheels, only a slight retractive movement of steering post 29 is required, this retractive movement causing a corresponding retractive movement of the cylindrical valve member 66 to the position shown in Figs. 3 and 4, whereupon the valves 46 and 62 close so as to seal both compartments 39 and 40 and lock the vane 31 inthe position to which it has moved.

Rotation of steering post 29 in the opposite direction will of course effect return movement of the vane 31 toward or beyond its initial position, since this opposite rotation causes movement of the arm 13 and the cylindrical valve member 66 in a direction such as to open the exhaust valve 54 and the inlet valve 6I, Where-I upon oil under pressure is introduced into the compartment 39 and exhausted from the compartment 40, movement of the cylindrical valve member in this direction again being arrested by engagement of stop 10 with the opposite end of the notch 69.

It will be observed that a simple and reliable power ,operation of the steering gear is thus provided and if the oil pressure should fail, proper steering may be accomplished through the worm and gear segment. All of the valves continue to operate as usual and, accordingly, even if the mechanism is full of oil when' the pressure fails, the oil will be gradually worked out and full manual control of the steering operation is maintained at all times.

In order to provide quick and accurate response of the' various valves to rotational movement of the shaft I I, without imposing excessive strains or reactive forces on any ofthe parts, compression spring 80, which maintains the frictional engagement between the discs 14 and 15 and the arm 13, is so correlated with the valve springs which normally maintain the valves closed, as to insure that the force exerted on the valve tappets by the cylindrical member 66 will effect proper operation of the valves, while at the same time the force exerted by the spring 8D will permit slippage between the the stop 10.

pointed out that inlet valves 46 and 6| are of the substantially balanced type, but it will be observed, upon inspection of Fig. 4, that the oil pressure within the passageways 42, exerts a force on theend surfaces of the valve heads which tends to maintain Vboth the inlet and the exhaust valves closed. In some instances where a more perfectly balanced valve arrangement is desired, it may be advisable to utilize valve constructions of the type illustrated in Fig. 10 which will be more fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment of my invention therein illustrated.

While the embodiment of my invention thus far described provides satisfactory power operation of the steering mechanism, certain reactive forces may be encountered which in some installations may be considered undesirable. For example, if during a turning movement the vane 31 moves faster than the travel of the thread on worm I0, the gear segment I2 may over-travel with respect to the worm andtake up all of the backlash which normally exists between the leading surfaces of the teeth on the gear segment and the rear surfaces of the thread on the worm. In such a case the retractive movement necessary to arrest the movement of the vane 31 or the initial opposite rotation necessary to effect return movement of the vane, would be resisted by the teeth on gear segment I2 and might require the exertion of a greater force on the steering Wheel than is normally desirable. This force in most circumstanceswould not be very great because of the self-straightening tendency of the front wheels which tends to cause a reverse movement of gear segment I2, and because of the large mechanical advantage which is obtained through a worm and gear type drive.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 7 to 14, inclusive, provisions are made to prevent such over-travel of the segment gear and the vane as might result in the above described conditions.

Referring now to Figs. '7 to 14,` inclusive, the embodiment of my invention here shown is in many respects similar to theembodiment before described and includes a worm integral with a worm shaft |'0I which is journaled in bearings |02 in a housing |03,the worm being arranged to mesh with a gear segmentV |04 mounted on the end of a shaft |05, the detailed arrangement of these partsy being in general similar to the corresponding parts heretofore described. As shown in Fig. 9, the shaft |05 is provided with a In this connection, it has been`l splined portion |06 on which is mounted a vane |01 which is movable within achamber formed within a. second housing |08, the vane |01 dividing the chamber into a plurality of sealed compartments |09 and ||0.

A rear cover plate I I, which is secured to the rear face of the housing |08 and forms the rear wall of the two compartments |09 and |I0, is provided. as shown best in Figs'. 8 and 9, with a pair. of passageways ||2 and II3 which respectively extend from compartments |09 and ||0 and serve the same function as passageways 42 referred to above inconnection with Figs. l to 6. Formed in the upper portion of the housing |08, I provide a pair of inlet ports ||4 and I I5 which respectively terminate in the passageways I|2 and |I3, and which are intersected intermediate their ends by a cross passageway ||6 through which fluid under pressure is supplied to the opposite sides of the vane |01 under the control of suitable valves. In addition, a pair of exhaust passageways ||1 and I|8 are provided which respectively terminate in the passageways ||2 and II3, and which communicate at their opposite ends with anexhaust passageway ||9. The passageway |I9, as shown best in Fig. 9, is connected through suitable ports and |2| with the chamber in the housing |03 which contains worm |00 andlgear segment |04.

The inlet port ||5, as shown in Fig. 10, is provided with an inlet valve |22 which engages a valve tappet |23 that extends into a suitable valve operating chamber |24 (Figs. 7 and 9) formed in the housing |03. The valve |22 differs from theA heretofore describedvalves in` that the head of the valve is provided with an outwardly extending sleeve or skirt |25 which extends across passageway I|3 and is slidingly tted in a tubular nut |26the outer end of which is open to the atmosphere. Positioned within the tubular nut |26 is a retaining ring |21 and a washer |28 which support one end of a valve spring |29, the other end of the valve spring Vbeing arranged to bear against the head of the valve.

By reason of this valve construction a balanced arrangement is obtained since the pressure of the fluid within passageway ||3 exerts no closing force on the valve head. Although such expedients will normally not be necessary, it will be apparent that if desired suitable conduits `may be provided for returning to the pressure system any of the fluid medium under pressure which may leak around the sleeve |25 and out through tubular nut |26.

It will of course be understood that the other inlet port ||4 is provided with a valve identical with valve |22. In Fig. '7 the valve tappet |30 for such an inlet valve is shown. Likewise, each of the exhaust ports i1 and I I8 Iis provided with suitably balanced exhaust valves having valve operating medium` under pressure from a source of pressure other" than the engine lubricating system of the vehicle, and in Fig. 14 I have shown, somewhat diagrammatically, a pressure pump which may be utilized in carrying out my invention. This-pressure pump is of the gear type and includes a pair of oppositely rotated gears |34 and |35, respectively, disposed within a chamber |36. One side of the chamber is connected through a suitable conduit |31 to a fluid reservoir |38, and the opposite side of the chamber is provided with outlet conduit |39. 'lt will be apparent that when the gears |34 and |35 are driven in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. 14, the fluid medium will be drawn through conduit |31 from reservoir |38 and da' charged through the outlet conduit |39. The pressure developed by a gear pump constructed as shown in Fig. 14 of course depends upon the resistance encountered, and in order to prevent lthe building up of pressures of excessive niagduit |39. This safety valve |40 may be adjusted by means of the spring 4| to open at any desired maximum pressure and permit return of the ,escaping fluid medium to reservoir |38 through the by-pass conduit |42.

It will also be understood, of course, that the power required to drive the gear pump depends upon the magnitude of the fluid pressure developed by the pump, as well as upon its volumetric capacity, and accordingly I provide means for permitting the pump to operate normally at a low head pressure while at the same time insuring that a. pressure of sufficient magnitude to effect proper operation of vane |01 will at all times be available when desired.

As shown in Figs. 12'and 13, the passageway ||6 is closed at its threaded end by a plug |43 and is intersected intermediate its ends by an inlet passageway |44. Associated'with the intersection of passageways ||6 and ||4 I provide control valve |45 of the balanced type, as shown,

d which is normally held in the position shown glig. 13.by a spring |46. So long as the valve |45 occupies the position shown in Fig. 13, the fluid medium entering through passageway |44 flows through a by-pass |41, through suitable connecting passageways |48 and |49 into a chamber |50 formed in the upper portion of the casing |08, and through suitable apertures' |5| in the end wall of a cup member |52, into the exhaust passageway ||9, from which point it is exhausted into the chamber containing the worm and gear segment |04. It is thus apparent that when the inlet port |44 is connected by a suitable conduit, as for example by the conduit |53, to the outlet side of the gear pump and the threaded outlet port |54 in the bottom of the casing |03 is connected by conduit |55 to the reservoir |38, fluid medium circulates through a." substantially unobstructed path and the pump therefor operates against a nominal head pressure and requires but little power for its operation.

Movement of the valve'member |45 in a rightV hand direction, as viewed in Fig. 13, is effective, however, to close by-pass |41, whereupon the fluid pressure developed by the pump irrimediately builds up to the required value, up to the maximum determined by the setting of the safety valve |40. In order to effect such operation of the valve |45 when it is desired to operate the steering mechanism of the vehicle. the left-hand end of the valve |45 is arranged to contact the end wall of the slidable cup |52 and a pair of valve tappets |56 and |51, respectively are provided for abuttingly engaging and operating thc cup, the opposite ends of the valve tappets 56 and |51 being disposed in a suitable notch |58 (Fig. l1) in 'a cylindrical valve operating member |59, which is also provided with Vnotches |60 and |6|, respectively, for receiving valve tappets |30 and |23 for the inlet valves and the valve tappets |33 and |32 for the exhaust valves.

This cylindrical valve operating member i!! is in general similar to valve operating member 66, described in connection with Figs. 1 to 6, but differs therefrom in that it is provided at both ends with extending eccentrically located pins |62 and |63 adapted to be engaged by the upper ends of a pair of valve operating arms |64 and |65, respectively, as shown best in Fig. 7.

The cylindrical valve operating member |50 is disposed within the chamber |24 in housing |03 and is journaledin the opposite walls of the housing |03 so that the pins |62 and |63 and the associated operating arms |64 and |65 are disposed on opposite sides of the housing, each of the arms having an aperture adjacent its lower end through which extends the worm shaft |0|. Rigidiy secured to the worm shaft and positioned outwardly of the arms |64 and |65, I provide a pair of friction discs, |66 and |61 respectively, and suitable thrust bearings |68 and |69 are respectively disposed inwardly of the arms |64 and |65 for engaging suitable shoulders |10 and |1| on worm shaft |0|.

For a purpose which will be more fully described hereinafter, the thrust bearings |68 and |68 and the friction discs |66 and |61 are so arranged as to permit a very slight end play of worm shaft 0|, which play may be on the order of a few thousandths of an inch. When the Worm |00 and the worm shaft |0| are perfectly centered with respect to the arms and the thrust bearings, there is no frictional force exerted on the arms |64 and |65 by the friction members |66 and |61, but endwise movement of the worm shaft |0| in either direction will effect frictional contact between one of the arms and its associated friction disc so as to cause rotation of cylindrical member |59. Thus, upon a slight movement toward the left, as viewed in Fig. '7, the arm |64 is operated when worm shaft |0| rotates, while upon a slight movement to the right the arm is operated when the worm shaft rotates.

Having in mind the above description of the various parts of this preferred embodiment of my invention, it is now believed that a complete understanding will readily be obtained from a description of the operation. In order-to describe such operation, it will be assumed that the chamber containing the vane |01 is lled with fluid, that the pump shown in Fig. 14 is being driven so that gears |34 and |36 rotate in the directions indicated by the arrows, that the inlet and exhaust valves occupy their closed positions, and that the by-pass valve |45 occupies the position shown in Fig. 13. Under these conditions, the fluid medium supplied by the pump, which fluid medium is preferably oil, circulates through the system and through the bypassV valve at low pressure so that al minimum load is imposed on the pump.

If it is now desired to turn the vehicle in a direction corresponding to a counterclockwise rotation of the worm shaft |0|, as viewed in Fig. 9, it is only necessary to rotate the steering post to which the worm shaft is connected in a. corresponding direction. As worm |00 begins to rotate, it will be apparent that the thread of the worm engages the right-hand faces of the teeth on gear segment |04 (as viewed in Fig. '1) and an axial force will be exerted on the Worm |00 tending to move the worm in a right-handv direction. This axial force creates a pressure between the friction disc |61 and the operating arm |65, and accordingly causes the cylindrical valve operating member |59 to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 9, l0, and 13.

Initial movement of the cylindrical member |59 in this direction causes the valve tappet |56 to move in a right-hand direction, as viewed in Fig. 13, whereupon the by-pass valve |45 is moved so as to close the by-pass port |41 and the pressure generated by the gear pump will immediately build up to a value corresponding to the resistance encountered in steering the vehicle. Substantially ze'ro clearance is provided between the ends of the valve tappets |56 and |51 and the ends of the notch IEBinto which these valve.- tappets extend. A suitable clearance is provided between the ends of the various other valve tappets and the ,ends of the notches |60 and |6| in operating member |59 so as to insure perfect closure of these valves when required.

Continued rotation of the worm shaft I in the direction heretofore indicated of course causes further rotation of the valve operating member |59 so as to engage the valve tappets |30 and |32, respectively, for the inlet valve associated with passageway ||2 and for the exhaust valve associated with passageway H3, and fluid under pressure is supplied to compartment |09 through the ports |44, ||6, H4, and ||2 and is exhausted from the compartment ||0 throught-he passageway ||3 and exhaust ports IIB and H9. As shown in Fig. 13, by-pass valve |45 is provided with an let and exhaust valves. fluid under pressure is admitted to the chamber ||0 and exhausted from the chamber |09 to cause a reverse movement of the vane |01 and a reverse operation of the gear segment |04.

Inasmuch as the arms |64 and |65 are so associated with the friction discs |66 and |61 carried by the worm shaft 0| as to prevent over-travel of gear segment 04, it will be apparent that no objectionable reactive force is exerted on the worm |00, and accordingly, the steering post to which the worm shaft |0| is connected, may readily be rotated in either direction without enextending finger |11 adapted to engage the end wall of a cup |18 in which spring |46,is carried and serves as a stop for valve operating member |59 upon rotation of the member|59 in either direction.

Thus the vane |01 is caused to move in the direction indicated by arrow in Fig. 8 so as to rotate shaft |05 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8, or in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 7. So long as gear segment |04 travels at substantially the same speed as the thread of worm |00, the valve operating member |59 is held in its operated position to permit the flow of the pressure fluid through the proper inlet and exhaust valves.

If, however, gearV segment |04 and the shaft |05 tend to overtravel with respect to worm |00, it will be apparent that the right-hand faces of the teeth on the gear |04 move away from the leading faces of the thread onV the worm, and accordingly the pressure between the friction disc |61 and the arm |65 is suviciently relieved to permit valve springs |29 on the inlet. and exhaust valves and the spring |46 on the by-pass valve to return valve operating member |59 to the position shown in the drawings, wherein the inlet and exhaust Valves will all be closed and movement of vane |01 and shaft |05 will be arrested. Continued movement of worm |00 will of course cause re-engagement of the thread of the worm with the teeth of the gear segment and will again create pressure between the friction disc |61 and arm |65 so as to open the proper inlet and exhaust valves and effect further movement of vane |01. 'It will thus be seen that vane |01 and shaft |05 are caused to travel with the movement of worm |00, and are prevented fromsuch overtravel as might cause van objectionable reactive force between the gear |04 and worm |00.

Movement of vane |01 may be arrested in any desired position simply by ceasing to turn the steering wheel. This relieves the pressure between the worm `threadand the gear segments and the frictional contact between |61 and |65 is thereby destroyed. Rotation of the worm |00 in a reverse direction causes the thread of the wormto engage the left-hand faces of the teeth on the gear segment |04, whereupon a force is exerted which tends to move the worm |00 and the worm shaft |0| in a left-hand direction so as to create a pressure between the friction'disc |66 and the arm |64 and therefore cause rotation of the arm |64 in a, direction such as to effect movement of the by-pass valve tappet |51 and to likewise effect opening movement of the inlet valve associated with the port ||5`and the exhaust valve associated with port ||1. Upon operation of these in lill countering any objectionable reactive forces thereon at any time. Again, accurate control ofshaft`|05 andthe steering mechanism is effected with a minimum force on the steering wheel, and turning movement of the vehicle wheels may be. arrested and the wheels locked in any desired position simply by stopping the rotation of the steering wheel in the desired position. No retractive movement of the steering wheel is necessary to arrest further turning movement of the vehicle wheels and no excessive reactive force is exerted by the steering mechanism upon the steering wheel when it is desired to turn the vehicle in an opposite direction.

The oil pressure acting upon the vane |01 of the fluid pressure actuator is at all times a function of the turning resistance, up to the point at which the safety valve opens. If, therefore, the roadresistance is very small the pump pressure is also Very small and if the lroad resistance increases there will be a corresponding increase in the pump pressure. Assuming the volumetric efficiency` and the speed of the oil pump to be constant, the speed of the movement imparted by the oil pressure to the vane |01 of the actuator vis constant, up to the pressure-at which the safety valve opens.

The speed at which the steering-gear turns, however, may be increased or decreased simply by increasing or decreasing the speed at which the steering wheel `is turned. An increase in the speed at which the steering wheel is turned of course requires increased manual effort which, directly through the worm and gear segment tends to increase the speed of turning. If the steering wheel is turned at a speed slower than normal, that is,V slower than the constant speed determined by the characteristics of the fluid actuator and the pump, the pressure between the gear segment Vteeth and the worm thread is relieved and the friction on the control arms ls destroyed. The valves of the actuator thereupon snap to their neutral or closed positions and movement of the fluid actuator stops. Continued movement of the steering wheel, however, reopens the valves and the actuator again moves under the control of the oil pressure. Accordingly, by a series of momentary movements and stops, the fluid actuator closely follows slow movement of the steering wheel, and slow turning of the vehicle steering gear is accomplished.

In Fig. 15 I have shown somewhat diagrammatically an embodiment of my invention adapted for operation from a source of compressed air or other suitable gaseous medium, the heretofore described embodiments having included a source of incompressible fluid or liquid medium such as oil. The embodiment shown in Fig. 15`

comprises a movable vane |80 which divides an oil filled chamber into compartments |8| and 1 ,l82, and a pair of reservoirs |83 and |34 are provided, the lower portions of which are connected to the compartments |8| and |82 by passageways |85 and |86.. Inlet valves |81 and |88 are provided for selectively. connecting the upper portions of the reservoirs |83 and |84 to a source of compressed air indicated diagrammatically at |98, andexhaust valves |9| and |92`are adapted to selectively permit the exhaust of compressed air from the reservoirs. As shown, the compartments ||3|v and |82, the passageways |85 and |88, and the lower portions of the reservoirs |83 and |84- are filled with an incompressible liquid medium, such as oil,` and valves |93' and |94 are provided, for selectively controlling the-110W of' oil through the passageways and sealing the.

compartments 8 and 82.

Operation of all of the valves in proper sequence is accomplished by means of a rotatable valve operating memberI |95-havingnotchesfor receiving the. ends of suitable valve tappets or.y stems associated'withthevalves.r TheV member |95 is of the same general. character as the mem-Y ber |59 (Figs. 7 to 13)and1is adapted forfrotation in accordance withV the movements; of' a' suitable'controlim'ember in the same` manneras the member |59',-they operating parts andthe control member havingbeen omitted from Fig.

in order to simplify the drawings.

Althoughthe valves and the operating member |95 are shown only diagrammatically in Fig. 15v it Will be. understood that inlet valve' |88.. and exhaust valve |9.| are arrangedl tol be opened when. the member |95? rotates in the direction of the arrow in'Fig l5,- that the inlet valve: |81

and the exhaust valve |92rk are arranged to beV opened when the member` |95'rotates in the opposite direction, and that the valves |93 and |94A are'provided with double tappets or stems similar, for example, to the stems |55 and |51 of the by-pass-valve |45 (Fig. 13) and accordingly are opened upon operation of the member |95 in either direction. All ofthe valves are closed when the member |95 loccupies the neutralposition shown in Fig. 15.

In Fig. 15 the member |95' is shown in the neutral position, all of the valves being closed. and the vane |88 being locked, by the oi1 in the compartments, against movement in either direction. Upon rotation of the member |95 in the direction of the arrow, compressed air is admitted to the reservoir |84 through the valve |88 and oil is forced from -the reservoir ,through the valve |94 into the compartment |82 so as to move the vane |80 in a counterclockwise direction. A corresponding quantity of oil is of course forced from the compartment 8|, through the valve |93 and into the reservoir |83, the air above the body of oil in the reservoir being discharged 'throughV the exhaust valve |9I.

Return of the member |95 to its neutral position permits closure of all of the valves to lock the vane |88 in the position to which it has been operated, and rotation of the member 95 in the opposite direction admits compressed air through the valve |81 to the reservoir |83.where upon the vane |80 is operated in a clockwise direction, the exhaust of air from the reservoir |84 being permitted through the valve |92. The capacity of the compartments |8| and |82 and the reservoirs |83. and |84- is such that when the vane |80 occupies either of. its extreme positions a reserve quantity of oil remains in the bottom of one reservoir and the oil level in the opposite reservoir is slightly below the top of the reservoir.

It will now be apparent from the description 'of the various embodiments of my invention that the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 6 is operated from a source of pressure which develops a substantially steady or constant pressure in a liquid such as oil,` as foi` example, the lubricating pumpl of an automotive engine, and that the act of returning the valves of the fluid actuator to ytheir neutral or closed positions to lock the actuator in the position to which yit has been operated, may at` times require the exertion of a small effort upon the-control'member.

4The embodiment shown in Figs.l 7 to 14 is illustrated as operated from a pressure source developing, in a liquid' such as oil, a varying pressure which is at all times proportional to the resistance encountered, up to the maximum pressure for which the safety valve is set. When the control member is not being actuated, the pressure source is automatically relievedof pressure by by-passing the oil,v andthe fluid actuator is automatically locked in a position corresponding to theposition of the control member. This embodiment may also be adapted for operationv from a steady source of pressure, merely by preventing the by-pass valve from opening, for example, by lengthening or extending toward the right (Fig. 13) the portion of the valve |45 which labuts the cup |52 so that the by-pass |41 is of theoill or air pressure system in the variousV embodiments shown, moreover, does not interfere with the manual operation.

While I have described the various embodiments of my invention as applied to the steering,

mechanism of anautomotive vehicle, it will be apparent that my invention is not limited to this particular application. The invention as disclosed is adaptable to many control mechanisms in which it is desired to operate a driven member by a fluid medium under pressure in accordance with the movement of a selectively movable control member. Furthermore, While I have shown particular embodiments of my invention, it will be understood, of course. that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modications may be made, and I, therefore contemplate by the Aappended claims to cover any such modiiications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a iiuid pressure actuator operatively connected with a part to be operated, a plurality of independently operable valves for said actuator normally biased to one of two extreme positions and including operating valve stems arranged in parallel rows, la cylindrical valve member journalled for. rotation adjacent the ends of said valve stems and having a plurality of slots therein for receiving the ends of said valve stems, rotation of said cylindrical member in eitherl direction causing the corresponding ends of the slots to engage the associated row of valve stems and operate the valves so as selectively to supplyviiuid pressurel to said said actuator, valve means normally preventing the admission and exhaust of fluid medium Von the opposite sides of said part, a separate by-pass valve normally positioned to permit a continuous circulation of fluid medium by said pump, and manually operable means moveable in either of two directions for positively operating saidvalve means andv said'separate-by-pass valve, initial movement of said means in either direction closing said separate by-pass valve to direct said uid medium to passages controlled by said valve means and continued movement of said means in either direction effecting selective operation of said valve means to supplyuidmedium toone side of said part and permit the exhaust `of fluid medium from the opposite side thereof, whereby said part operates said mechanism in a direction corresponding tothe movement of said manually operable means.

3. In a control mechanism, the combination of a uid pressure actuator, a plurality'of independently operable valves, means normally `biasing said valves to a position in which said actuator is held against movement, said valves being selectively operable from said position to cause movement of said actuator,-an operating member for said valves, aV manual member, means connecting said manual member to said actuator for eiecting manual movement thereof, a pair of arms frictionally engaging said manual member I is in a central position, said post when rotated in either direction being movable axially bythe reaction of Vsaidgear on said worm to exert a suicient frictional force between one of said armsandits associated disc to rotate said arm with said post and cause operation of said valves thereby to effect power operation of the mechavnism in a corresponding direction, vvsaid valves being returned to closed positions by said biasing means whenever the said frictional force decreases due to over travel of said actuator with respect to said post whereby theV power operation of said,Y steering mechanism accurately follows the movements of said steering post.

.5. In `a `mechanism having a selectively rotatable control member, a' driven member, and a worm and gear driving connection therebetween,

the combination of fluid pressure means for operating said driven member, valve means for selectively controlling the supply of uid pressure to said uid pressure means, operating means forV said valve means including a part mounted for rotation to control said operating means, and means responsive to reaction forces exerted on said worm by said gear when said controlV member is rotated forselectively establish- Y ing a frictional driving connection between said control member and said part to rotate said part selectivelywith said control member to govern said iluid pressure operating means.-

6r In a mechanism having a selectively rotatable control member, a driven member, `and a worm and gear driving connection therebetween, the combination of fluid pressure means for operating said driven member, valve means for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to said iiuid pressure means, means mounted for rotation in coaxial relation to said control member, means responsive to reaction forces. exerted on said control-member by said Worm and gear connection when said control member V.is rotated for selectively establishing frictional driving connections between said control member and said coaxially mounted means, whereby said coaxially mounted means is selectively rotated with lsaid control member, and means controlled by rotation of said coaxially mounted meansfor operating said valve means 1 in accordance with the movement of said control the relative movements of said manual member and said actuator whereby said valves are selectively operated to cause the power operation of said actuator closely to follow thev operation of said manual member;

4. In a steering mechanism-,the combination of a uid pressure actuator for electing power operation thereof,'a plurality of independently operable valves, means normally "biasing said valves to closed'positions to lock said actuator against movement, said valves being selectively operable to open positions to cause poweroperation of said actuator in either of two directions, an operating member for said valves, a steering post having a worm and gear connection to the portion oi said mechanism to which said actuator is connected, a pair of friction discs secured to said post adjacent the opposite ,ends of said worm, arms connected to said valve operating member for respectively engaging said friction discs, said arms and said discs being normally out of frictional driving engagement when said post member.

7. In a mechanism having a selectively rotatable control member, a driven member, and a Worm and gear driving connection therebetween, the combination of fluid pressure means for operating said driven member, valve rneans for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure'tosaid luid'pressure means, valve operat- 'in-g means Vincluding a part mounted for rotation Y to control said operating means, means respon-l sive'to the axialforces exerted onsaid worm by saidl gear when said control member is rotated for Yselectively establishing and disestablishing 4' of said valve stems, rotation of said member in either direction causing the-corresponding Vv,ends

- of said slots'to engage the'associated row of vvalve stems and operate the'valves so as selectively to supply -uid pressure to saidactuator` ,ina corresponding direction, and means including 'a'l selectively operable vpart for rotating said operatly driven means selectively to rotate said driven "means with "said Acenti-ol member, andv means controlled by 'rotation' 'si said frictionally driven member for operating' said valve means in aclcordance' with Ithe" movementof said control member. f

12. In a mechanism havingA a selectively rotatable controlmember, a `driven member, and a worm and gear driving connection therebetween,

the-combination of fluid pressure' means for operating said driven member, valve means for selectively controlling the supply of fluid pressurev tosaid-fluid pressure means, rotatable is held against movement. said-valves being f selectively operable from saidrposition to cause movement .of said; actuator, a manually rotatable member connected to said actuator'by a worm and Vgear connection, valve operating means includingta pair of'arms` respectively disposedin frictional engagement with said manually rotatable-'member at oppositeends of said .worm for rotation with said manually rotatable member to -selectively operate said valves when.

vthe frictional force exertedon said armsby said Y manually rotatable member exceeds the force of said biasing means, and means including said worm andggear connection for varying the fric-- tional force exerted on said arms in accordance with the relative movements of said manually rotatable member andsaid actuator, whereby said valves-areselectively operated to cause the power-operationof said actuator closely -to follow the operation of `said 10. In a steering mechanism having Va selectively rotatable steering element, a rotatable shaft, and'aworm and gear; connection therebetween, the combination voi' fluidv pressure'means manually' rotatable memmeans-secured'ag'ainst movement axially of said control member land'mountecl for rotation in planes extending substantially at right angles to :the axis y'lof rotation rof said control member,

means responsive to yreaction forces exerted on said worm by said gear when said control memberis -iotatedior selectively establishing fric- -tionalfdriving'fconnections between said control -member -and said rotatable means selectively to rotate vsaid rotatable means with said control member, and' means controlled by rotation of said rotatable means for operating said valve means in accordance `with the movement of said control member.

for operating said shaft, valve means for controlplanes and disposed in face to face frictional engagement for yproviding a driving connection therebetweeny'one of said parts Vbeing movable transversely to said planes in response to reactive forces exerted on vsaid worm by said gear upon rotation of4 said steering element in either direction to vary the frictional force between said parts.

11. In a mechanismhaving a selectively rotatable control member, a driven member, and av worm and gear driving connection therebetween,

the combination of fluid pressure means for operating said driven member, valve means forselectively controlling the supply of fluid pressure to said fluidv pressure means, frictionally drivenmeans mounted for rotation in a plane extending substantially at right angles to theaxis of rotation of said control member, means responsive to reaction forces exerted on said control member by said worm and gear connection when said control member is rotated -for selectively establishing frictional driving connections between said ,contml member and said irictionalc 13..Power mechanisml for` augmenting the turning lmovement of -manually controlled steer'- ing apparatus and the like in which said apparatus is provided with Va manually rotatable member subjected to a thrust in both directions of rctation, comprising an element fixed upon said membenza collar loosely associated with said element, means-for clutching said collar tosaid element upon-fthe application of thrust, a valve,

an arm for actuating said valve upon the application of. thrust to said member, a power unit associated with'and manually .controlled by said valve and including a'cylinder having van inlet at each `end for fluid vunder pressure and a Distonadapted to reciprocate between said inlets and connectedto the steering apparatus for rclieving'l the operatorV of the manual effort and physicalfatigue encountered in steering a power propelled vehicle.

I 14. Powermechanism for assisting the turning movement ineither directionv of manually controlled steering apparatus for vehicles having a steering `Wheel and shaft, a worm on said shaft, a gear segment in mesh with said worm and a connection from the segment to the wheels for turning-and steering the wheels of the vehicle, comprising a member fixed upon the shaft, a pair of collars loose upon the shaft and positioned adjacent the oppositesides of said member, a thrust bearing adjacent each collar, means -for 'clutching either of said collars between said member and its adjacent thrust bearing whereby said collarY is caused to rotate with said member and shaft upon the manual turning of the steermechanism whereby .the valve is actuated to supplyfi'iuidv and power to the steering apparatus duringthemanual turning of the steering wheel,

and means f orlreturning the valve mechanism to'inoperative position and disconnecting power tonthe 'steering apparatus when the operator ceases his manual turning effort.

-15. Vehicle steering apparatus comprising a steering wheel, a worm'operatedthereby, thrust bearings associated with said worm, tooth means operated by the worm for steering the vehicle. power means connected to said means to assist in its movement, members frictionally engageable with said thrust bearings by the thrust of the worm and rotatable therewith upon manual movement of the steering wheel, means connected with said members for actuating the power means, and means for shutting oi! the power upon discontinuance of said worm thrust.

16. In combination with steering V`apparatus having a steering wheel and rod and a manually operated worm, thrust bearings for said worm, power means for assisting in the operation of the apparatus, and actuating means for said power means and controlled by the thrust of the worm resulting from manual operation thereof, said actuating means being adapted to be moved into Y clutching engagement with either o! said thrust bearings. i

1'7. In combination with a vehicle steering apparatus having a steering wheel and rod, a worm secured upon kthe rod, thrust bearings ior said worm, power means assisting in the operation of said apparatus, automatic means adapted to be clutched to either of said thrust bearings and controlled by the thrust of the worm upon manual operation of the steering wheel for actuating the power means, and automatic means for discontinuing the power upon cessation of said worm thrust.

18. Power mechanism for augmenting the manual turning movement in either direction of manually controlled steering apparatus and the like and in which said apparatus is provided with a steering shaft and a Worm fixed thereon and suggested to a thrust when manually rotated in l0 eit er direction, thrust bearings on said shaft, a

member loose upon the shaft .adjacent each thrust bearing and adapted to be moved into contact with an element of its respective thrust bearing whenever the steering shaft is rotated and the worm is subjected to end thrust, a power Vunit to which iiuid under pressure is supplied and which power unit is connected to the steering apparatus iorassisting the operator inthe turning movement lof the steering shaft, valve mechanism for controlling the fluid supply, interconnecting means between said valve and members loose upon the shaft responsive to the lmanual turning and control by the operator,

and means for automatically and positively disconnecting the power unit upon the operator ceasing to turn the steering apparatus.,

RASMUS M. HVID. 

